Court case in Innsbruck Trial against bankrupt investor Benko adjourned after just two hours
The trial against the Austrian investor René Benko had been long awaited. Now it has been adjourned on the very first day after just two hours.
14.10.2025, 11:46
14.10.2025, 13:59
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- The first day of the trial against Austrian investor René Benko came to an end after just two hours.
- Because the defendant did not want to comment in detail on the charges, the proceedings were adjourned until Wednesday.
- Benko had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The first day of the trial against the Austrian investor René Benko ended after just two hours. The proceedings will continue as planned on Wednesday, the judge at Innsbruck District Court decided.
The reason for the decision was the fact that Benko did not want to comment in detail on the allegations. The questioning of witnesses was only scheduled for Wednesday. Benko had previously pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Up to ten years in prison
According to the indictment, the 48-year-old tried to harm his creditors. For example, shortly before the insolvency of his real estate and trading empire Signa, he paid an unjustifiable advance on rent and operating costs for four years amounting to around 360,000 euros (around 335,000 Swiss francs) for a property. He had also transferred 300,000 euros (around 278,000 francs) to his mother.
The defense pointed out, among other things, that the right to rent had a value, especially as the advance was repayable. The penalty ranges up to ten years in prison. The proceedings are about bankruptcy offenses, Benko is said to have seized assets during the insolvency proceedings.
Rapid rise, steep decline
Benko had amassed a fortune worth millions by buying real estate. However, the rapid rise was followed by an equally steep decline. High construction costs, rising interest rates on loans and other problems led the trading and real estate group into insolvency. Benko filed for personal insolvency last year.
The Austrian's business practices are now being investigated by the authorities. The Austrian Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) is investigating more than a dozen cases against Benko and other business people and organizations associated with him. These include fraud, embezzlement and various corruption offenses.
According to the public prosecutor's office, the entire complex of investigations involves significantly more money. The authorities put the total loss to date at around 300 million euros (around 278 million Swiss francs). In addition to Benko, the investigators are targeting around a dozen defendants and two associations. Further trials are likely to follow and the Tyrolean could face many years in prison.
